New Year’s Day (1 January) in Australia arrives after fireworks light up the skies from Sydney Harbour to Perth’s Elizabeth Quay - Sydney’s show alone draws millions worldwide. The morning is for beach swims, barbecues, and recovery. Most shops and offices close, making it a relaxed start to summer. It is a national public holiday.

Australia Day (26 January) marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. It’s both a day of celebration and reflection, with concerts, fireworks, and citizenship ceremonies nationwide, while others observe it as Invasion Day or Survival Day, acknowledging Indigenous history. It’s a national public holiday.

Labour Day (dates vary) celebrates the eight-hour workday movement. In March, WA and VIC hold parades and family picnics; in October, ACT, NSW, and SA celebrate with fairs and community events. It’s a time to acknowledge worker achievements and enjoy a long weekend. It is a regional public holiday with varying dates by state.

Canberra Day (second Monday in March) celebrates the founding of Australia’s capital in 1913. Locals enjoy festivals, live music, and outdoor markets around Lake Burley Griffin. Schools, offices, and most businesses close. It is a regional public holiday in ACT.

Adelaide Cup Day (second Monday in March) is South Australia’s famous horse racing and fashion event. The Morphettville Racecourse hosts crowds for racing and social gatherings. It is a regional public holiday in SA.

Labour Day / Eight Hours Day in Victoria and Tasmania commemorates the hard-won eight-hour working day. Communities mark the long weekend with parades, union events, and family outings. It remains a key regional public holiday reflecting labour history in both states.

Good Friday (date varies) is one of Australia’s most solemn days. Churches hold reflective services, and nearly all shops, bars, and cinemas close. Families gather for quiet meals of fish and hot cross buns. It marks the beginning of the Easter long weekend. It is a national public holiday.

Easter Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday (date varies), is an official public holiday in most of Australia, including NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, NT, and SA. Positioned between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it is a key day for family gatherings, weddings, and local festivals like the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Travelers and shoppers should note that while many stores remain open, restricted trading hours and reduced public transport schedules typically apply.

Easter Sunday celebrates renewal and togetherness. Churches fill for sunrise services, and families gather for picnics and egg hunts. It’s officially a public holiday in several states such as NSW and SA, with most retail closed until afternoon. It is a regional public holiday in ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, and WA.

Easter Monday concludes Australia’s most popular long weekend. Families return from camping or beach trips, and towns host local fairs and community events. Highways are busy with travellers heading home. It is a national public holiday.

Easter Tuesday is a unique, restricted public holiday observed exclusively in Tasmania. Primarily recognized by the Tasmanian State Public Service and specified under certain workplace awards, it extends the Easter break for many government employees and educators. While most of Australia returns to work, Tasmania’s public offices and many schools remain closed, offering a quiet end to the long weekend.

ANZAC Day (25 April) honours Australian and New Zealand service members past and present. Dawn services draw silent crowds across cities and towns, followed by parades. Later, pubs host games of two-up - legal only on this day. Most shops stay closed until the afternoon. It is one of Australia’s most sacred national public holidays.

Celebrated on the first Monday of May, this holiday is known as Labour Day in Queensland and May Day in the Northern Territory. Commemorating the achievement of the eight-hour working day, it is a statewide public holiday in both jurisdictions. Expect a long weekend perfect for regional travel or local festivities, with government offices, banks, and schools closed for the day.

Celebrated on the first Monday of May, this holiday is known as Labour Day in Queensland and May Day in the Northern Territory. Commemorating the achievement of the eight-hour working day, it is a statewide public holiday in both jurisdictions. Expect a long weekend perfect for regional travel or local festivities, with government offices, banks, and schools closed for the day.

Reconciliation Day (last Monday in May) in the ACT marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cultural festivals, storytelling, and community gatherings promote understanding. It is a regional public holiday in ACT.

Western Australia Day (first Monday in June) commemorates the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. Perth and Fremantle host concerts, food markets, and parades. It is a regional public holiday in WA.

The King’s Birthday holiday celebrates the official birthday of the monarch. Most states observe it in June, while WA celebrates in September. It’s the start of the ski season in the east and a spring festival time in the west. It is a state public holiday with varying dates.

Picnic Day (first Monday in August) is a Northern Territory tradition dating back to railway workers’ picnics in the 19th century. Locals celebrate with barbecues, races, and camping trips. It is a regional public holiday in NT.

The August Bank Holiday is an industry-specific holiday in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, observed on the first Monday of the month. While not a general public holiday for most workers, it is a legislated day off for employees in the banking and financial sectors. Most physical bank branches will be closed, though online banking and ATMs remain fully operational.

Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday in November) is known as 'the race that stops a nation'. Held at Flemington Racecourse, it’s an official holiday across Victoria with fashion, racing, and celebration. Workplaces close or pause to watch the race. It is a regional public holiday in VIC.

Christmas Eve is observed as a part-day public holiday in several Australian states, offering workers an earlier start to the festive season. In Queensland, the holiday begins at 6:00 PM, while in the Northern Territory and South Australia, it is recognized from 7:00 PM until midnight. This status ensures penalty rates for evening staff and reflects the cultural importance of Christmas Eve celebrations across the country.

Christmas Day (25 December) in Australia mixes European customs with summer traditions. Families enjoy church services, seafood feasts, and backyard cricket under the sun. Cities host carols and beach gatherings. All major businesses close. It is a national public holiday.

Boxing Day (26 December or next weekday if weekend) continues the festive spirit with major sporting events like the Boxing Day Test and the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. Massive retail sales draw crowds. It is a national public holiday.

New Year’s Eve features a part-day public holiday in the Northern Territory and South Australia, beginning at 7:00 PM. As Australians prepare for midnight fireworks and festivities, this official designation impacts pay rates for evening hospitality and essential service workers. While not a holiday in other states, it remains one of the busiest nights of the year for tourism and public events nationwide.